Schools for Tomorrow Blog

In the past 3 years the Denver BOE has authorized exactly two charter schools now in operation: West Denver Prep (opened 2006) and Denver Venture Academy (opened yesterday). In contrast, in New York City, Mayor Bloomberg just announced that 18 charter schools will be opening this fall. Charter schools under Bloomberg (and Joel Klein) have grown from 3,200 students in 2002 to an estimated 24,000 this fall. Bloomberg says:

“It’s the charter schools that let parents vote with their feet and tell us what the parents think about the quality of the education, of the schools. And I can tell you, one of the reasons that the public schools in the city have gotten better is because the charter schools exist and give parents an alternative and let parents see that you can do something better.”

This Spring the Denver BOE authorized exactly one new school operator: the nationally known Envision…

The next three days likely will comprise a critical moment in the showdown over the future of ProComp and education reform in Denver, as mediation takes place between DPS and DCTA to settle the disputed contract.

As Alexander Ooms skillfully pointed out, the natural and traditional advantage in these types of bargaining situations goes to the union. But the leadership of DPS may not be your typical school district leadership, and in some ways they have pushed DCTA back on its heels in the public relations battle. (Of course, they owe more than a little thanks to the teachers on the ground who are fed up with the union’s position.)

Yet anyone who doubts the ability of union leaders to overcome their tough situation and manipulate events to their advantage should think again. Whether or not DCTA officials can regain public momentum in these negotiations hinges on the first and primary piece…